Touch-enabled Ivy ultrabook caught on camera

Ivy Bridge might not be out until at least late April, but Intel is already showing off ultrabooks based on the chip. In fact, at the company's CeBIT booth today, Engadget got some hands-on time with a reference Ivy ultrabook that supports touch-screen input.

Reportedly, the machine's 13.3" display has a 1600x900 resolution and capacitive touch input with support for up to 10 points of contact. A 1.5GHz Ivy Bridge processor powers the system, and Engadget says there "might be [near-field communication] functionality on-board," as well. But the most interesting part is that is that, according to the gadget site, the system is "no larger or thicker than similar portables."

That's a big deal, especially if this is a reference design. The video certainly suggests the machine's touch screen works smoothly and responsively. Considering Windows 8's Metro interface is practically designed from the ground up for touch, it feels like systems like this could become the norm rather than the exception.